A time to be born: Born on Jan. 6, 1943 to the late Theodore Wyatt, Sr. and the late Georgia L. Banks (Gaither) was a sparkling gem named Essie Mae.
A time to live: Essie was a student in the Newton County School System. She became an avid reader of Harlequin Romance Novels, Children Books and the Bible. She had a love for sewing, which she showcased often, once she became a mother. At the age of 16, she gave birth to her eldest son and soon added five siblings to her legacy. Essie was a lover of sports and supported her children in both their academics and athletics. A competitive bowler and softball player herself, she encouraged her children to find their passion in athletics.
Essie provided for her six children through employment of 32 years with Lithonia Lighting. Upon retirement, Essie went to school to obtain an associate degree in business technology from DeKalb Technical College. Later she returned to the workforce using her degree as an administrative assistant with Orkin Pest Control, retiring after five years of service.
Essie loved her Mt. Zion AME Church family. She served as a sunday school teacher for the adults, former president of the mass choir, president of the stewardess board, and former secretary of the board of stewards and church. She was a true confidant and intercessor for many of her biological and adopted children.
A time to return home: During the early morning of Tuesday, July 31, 2018, Essie transitioned from labor to reward after a two-year battle with numerous illnesses. She leaves to cherish her legacy, son, Ricardo (Diane) Wyatt; daughter, Barbara (Samuel) Vasques; daughter, Geri Hawkins; son, John Wyatt; son, Timothy (Yolanda) Wyatt; and daughter, Kellie (Mark) Giles; brothers, Johnny (Ruth) Gaither, Gary Wyatt and Anthony Wyatt; sisters, Emma Light and Dorothy Wheeler; 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren all of whom she held special bonds, special sister and friend, Virginia “Jenny” Wyatt and a host of other relatives and friends.
The funeral service for Essie began at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3 at Springfield Baptist Church, at 1877 Iris Drive, in Conyers, with the Rev. Eric W. Lee, the Rev. Arthur Mitchell and the Rev. Noah Nyamaropa officiating.
Words of appreciation: The Family of the late Essie Wyatt wishes to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our family, friends and neighbors, for all your acts of love and kindness shown during this time of bereavement. Special Thanks to Fresenius Dialysis Center Staff, Piedmont Rockdale and Athens Staff, Georgia Heart Specialist Staff and Piedmont Physicians for the love and care they provided our Mother.
